Craving an escape from Tokyo’s urban sprawl? Then look no further than Mt. Sengen. Mt. Sengen stands at 903 meters. It offers a refreshing natural experience near the bustling city.
Mt. Sengen is located in Hinohara Village. This village is a popular destination for Tokyo residents. Many trails here are well marked. Most mountains in the area are under 1000 meters. This makes them family-friendly.
To start your adventure to Mt. Sengen, head to Hossawa no Taki Iriguchi bus stop. Take a 20-minute bus ride from Musashi-Itsukaichi Station. A short detour to Hossawa Falls is highly recommended. It’s only about 10 minutes up a dirt path. The falls are listed as one of the One Hundred Waterfalls of Japan. Return to the road after enjoying the cascades. Turn left where you see a sign pointing towards Mt. Sengen.
The trail to Mt. Sengen is easygoing. After about 45 minutes, the trail forks. You can head directly to the summit. Or you can pass by the Sengenrei rest place. The top of Mt. Sengen offers terrific views. Look out towards Mt. Odake and Mt. Gozen. This spot makes a great place for lunch.
After refuelling, the trail to the Kamigawanori bus stop begins on your left. It takes about 50 minutes to reach. Many hikers make their way up in reverse. They finish their hike at the waterfall.
Another route to Mt. Sengen starts from behind the Mt. Sengen Miharashi no Oka Koen. This translates to Mt. Sengen View Hill Park. You can reach it by taxi from the station. The park has an observation tower. It also has a roller slide with great views.
The path to Mt. Sengen follows the top ridge. You will pass through a beautiful forest. There are occasional views of the Tsuki River on the left. The summit marker is reached after passing a paragliding jump-off spot. The hike continues southwards. You will encounter a number of small ups and downs. Along the way are the ruins of Aoyama Castle. The path continues south and then bends east. It passes several minor peaks. Eventually, you’ll reach Okura Castle ruins.
Mt. Sengen offers a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Whether you seek a challenging hike or a peaceful retreat, Mt. Sengen has something for everyone.